Hurricane Roxanne facts for kids
| Category 3 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Hurricane Roxanne on October 10, 1995 at 18:55 UTC
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| Formed | October 7, 1995 |
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| Dissipated | October 21, 1995 |
| Highest winds | 1-minute sustained: 115 mph (185 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 956 mbar (hPa); 28.23 inHg |
| Fatalities | 29 total |
| Damage | $1.5 billion (1995 USD) |
| Areas affected | Mexico; especially the Yucatán Peninsula |
| Part of the 1995 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Hurricane Roxanne was a strong and destructive storm that hit the Mexican Yucatán Peninsula in October 1995. This powerful hurricane had winds reaching about 115 miles per hour (185 km/h) when it made landfall. Because of its big impact and the damage it caused, the name Roxanne was later removed from the list of hurricane names and replaced with Rebekah.
Contents
What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a huge, spinning storm system that forms over warm ocean waters. These storms have very strong winds and bring heavy rain. They are also known as tropical cyclones or typhoons in other parts of the world. Hurricanes get their energy from the warm ocean, which helps them grow bigger and stronger.
Roxanne's Journey
Hurricane Roxanne started as a tropical depression on October 7, 1995, in the western Caribbean Sea. It quickly grew stronger, becoming a tropical storm and then a hurricane. By October 10, Roxanne had become a major hurricane, reaching its peak strength with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h).
Roxanne then moved towards the Yucatán Peninsula. It made landfall near Cozumel, Mexico, as a very strong Category 3 hurricane. After hitting the land, the storm weakened a bit but still caused a lot of trouble.
Impact and Damage
Hurricane Roxanne brought heavy rain and strong winds to the Yucatán Peninsula. The storm caused widespread flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Many homes and buildings were damaged by the powerful winds and rising waters.
- Wind Damage: The strong winds tore off roofs and knocked down trees and power lines. This left many areas without electricity.
- Flooding: Heavy rainfall led to severe flooding in towns and cities. Roads became impassable, and some areas were completely submerged.
- Coastal Effects: Along the coast, the storm surge (a rise in sea level caused by the storm) caused coastal flooding and erosion. Fishing boats and docks were also damaged.
The hurricane caused about $1.5 billion in damages. Sadly, 29 people lost their lives because of the storm. Many people had to leave their homes and find safer places to stay.
After the Storm
After hitting the Yucatán Peninsula, Roxanne moved back over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It changed direction several times, causing more rain and strong winds in different parts of Mexico. The storm finally weakened and disappeared on October 21, 1995.
Because of the severe damage and loss of life, the name Roxanne was retired. This means no future hurricanes will be named Roxanne. This is a way to remember storms that were especially destructive.
Images for kids
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Roxanne making landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula
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Roxanne Rainfall across Mexico
See also
In Spanish: Huracán Roxana para niños
